Cruise Destination: 12 hours in Trondheim, Norway

If you have booked a cruise to Norway then Trondheim may be one of the ports you will visit.  Princess, Fred. Olsen, Cunard and P&O all cruise to Trondheim.  This guest post by travel blogger, Mari Auranaune, offers a unique local’s guide to how best to spend 12 hours in this Norwegian port.

You made it to Trondheim! This beautiful city is characterised by its history and was founded over 1000 years ago. People from all over the world travel to Trondheim to follow the pilgrimage route to Nidarosdomen, as thousands of pilgrims have done before them during the Middle Ages. Within walking distance of each other, you’ll find most of the city’s landmarks in the city centre.
 

Kristiansten Festning

The fortress of Kristiansten was built over 300 years ago by orders from the king, as a part of the reconstruction of the city. The fortress hasn’t been in military use since World War II and is now protected by the Cultural Heritage Act. It’s still saluted from the canons on royal birthdays and Norway’s national day. Now it’s mainly used as a museum and tourist attraction, and a perfect way to get an exceptional view over the city.
 

Bakklandet

Bakklandet is a neighborhood along the riverside in the city center of Trondheim. It’s well known for its old wooden houses, that takes you centuries back in time. Stroll along the cobblestone streets, visit the local shops and study the well-preserved houses.
 
The best place to eat lunch: Bakklandet! Pick one of the many cafes and coffee shops in this neighborhood.
 
 
The pretty wooden houses in Bakklandet
The pretty wooden houses in Bakklandet
 

Gamle Bybro

At the end of the streets of Bakklandet, there’s a bridge that unites Bakklandet with the famous church Nidarosdomen. Gamle Bybro is also referred to as “Lykkens Portal” (the gate of happiness). The bridge is over 150 years old and one of Trondheim’s most unique landmarks. Gamle Bybro and the river Nidelva has a lot of meaning to Trondheim. The river also has its own song, about how silent and beautiful it is.
 
 
Gamle Bybro Bridge
Gamle Bybro Bridge
 

Nidarosdomen

On the other side of the river, you’ll see the magnificent cathedral Nidarosdomen. In my opinion as a local, this is Trondheim’s main attraction and a place not to miss. The church was built over the burial site of King Olav II (Olav the Holy), and it’s said that his remains still lies somewhere under the church floors.
 
 
the magnificent cathedral Nidarosdomen
The magnificent cathedral Nidarosdomen
 
From the main facade, you’ll get a stunning view of the rose window and the magnificent carvings. The entire wall is filled with 57 sculptures of kings, prophets, baptists, apostles, and biblical figures such as Adam and Eve, Jesus, and Moses. Take a moment and study them, maybe you’ll recognise some of them?
 

Trondheim Torg

Trondheim Torg is Trondheim’s town square. Through the year they put up several markets, such as farmer’s market and Christmas market. The most beautiful time of the year is, without doubt, the Christmas time when they put up and decorate a 20-metre high Christmas tree! There are also lots of booths selling food, knitwear, soaps, and decorations. If you want to go shopping, there are several shopping malls in the town square as well.
 
 
The best place to eat dinner: Tyholttårnet is a 120 metre high telecommunications and radio tower. Inside the tower, there’s a large restaurant. What’s special about it, is that it rotates 360 degrees an hour! By dining here, you’ll get a spectacular, panoramic view from your table, along with excellent food. Tyholttårnet is a 40-minute walk from the town square, but you can also take the bus or taxi to get there.
 
If a Fjords cruise is on your bucket list then take a look at the other popular destinations you can visit.  Travel2Next has created a guide to Norway cruising that worth a read.
immari

Thank you so much to Mari for this guest blog post, it’s great to get a local’s perspective of a cruise port to ensure you get to see the best of a destination if you have limited time ashore.
 
You can learn more about the destinations that Mari has visited including travel tips by following her adventures on Instagram.
 
 
 
Happy cruising!
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Laura
Laura

Laura is a UK cruise blogger based in Cornwall, UK. She founded Cruise Lifestyle in 2016 to share useful advice about cruising, destinations and food.
Last port visited: Bridgetown, Barbados
Next port of call: unknown, but she can’t wait for cruising to resume safely!

Find me on: Twitter

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11 Comments

  1. December 1, 2018 / 3:41 pm

    Trondheim looks so picturesque! Looks like there are also a lot of activities you can do without blowing the budget. Nice guest post – Thanks Mari!

  2. Lola La Paz
    December 1, 2018 / 4:24 pm

    Norway is high on our bucket list! This gate to happiness looks amazing. Would love to see some pictures of the town square when the Christmas tree is up!

  3. December 3, 2018 / 8:45 pm

    I have not made it to Norway yet… this post makes me want to go sooner than later! What a picturesque town – that bridge and that church! I think bundled up for the Christmas market would be something I would love to do! Thanks for bringing this city to my attention.

    • cruiselifestyle
      Author
      December 5, 2018 / 7:23 am

      I’m so pleased that this post has helped, thank you for your comment.

  4. Jane@abfabtravels.com
    December 3, 2018 / 9:54 pm

    Looks like an interesting and picturesque place to visit with a mixture of ancient and modern. I would love to see inside the cathedral and hope it lives up to the outside. I would definitely have to check out the revolving restaurant also. I’ve eaten in a couple and it has always been a great experience to dine and watch the changing vista.

  5. December 4, 2018 / 9:53 pm

    I know I’ve seen pictures of this beautiful town online before but never knew the name. It is so picturesque and that cathedral… wow!! The detail on the façade must have taken decades to finish.

    • cruiselifestyle
      Author
      December 5, 2018 / 7:19 am

      Yes, thank your your comment, those coloured houses are iconic.

  6. Astrid Vinje
    December 7, 2018 / 1:59 am

    Trondheim looks absolutely beautiful. My dad lived in Norway in the 70’s, and we visited Oslo in the late 90’s. But I’d love to go back and explore more of the country. I think Trondheim Torg would be fun to explore. I love visiting town squares!

  7. December 8, 2018 / 2:45 am

    cruising is my life so I loved reading your post about Norway. I’ve only done the traditional Oslo and Helsingborg cruise ports but these look so exotic. Going to Bakklandet was worth the entire cruise…that is the money shot! Those colorful wooden houses are amazing!

  8. December 8, 2018 / 5:04 am

    Norway has been on my list forever and this small city looks charming. Love the colored houses, and wow, that church is gorgeous! I appreciate the digestible sections of information as it is a great way to get introduced to an area. Thanks for sharing!

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